The Pats bolstered their tight end corps today by announcing the acquisition of TE Marcus Pollard, who spent 2007 with the Seattle Seahawks. The 36 year old Pollard certainly won't push Benjamin Watson for the starting spot but will likely serve as insurance as Watson (ankle surgery) and David Thomas (undisclosed foot injury) return from injuries. He could also presumably see action in two TE sets if he sticks with the team long enough. Pollard caught 28 passes for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games last year but his greatest single season effort came in 2001 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts... in that year, Pollard racked up 47 catches, 739 yards and 8 touchdowns. It's a good move for the Pats as they cover themselves in the event that Watson doesn't make it back as soon as expected and they won't have to spend a late round pick to address their tight end depth.

In other Patriots news, the team also signed DL Kenny Smith. Smith was with the Pats during preseason last year but was cut before the start of the season. He'll be hard pressed to earn a roster spot.